An integrative review of patient medication compliance from 1990-1998

Purpose (1) The purpose of the integrated review was to summarize studies about med ication compliance and identify their implications for research and practic e. Thirty research studies exploring patient medication compliance were rev iewed. Study variables related to patients included characteristics that af fect compliance, common medication errors, and strategies used by patients to remember to take their medications. Other studies evaluated methods for measuring compliance and interventions for improving compliance. Conclusions (2) There has not been a "gold standard" identified for measuring complianc e, therefore it is difficult to compare results due to differences in opera tional definitions. Dosage frequency, patient's confidence in their provide r, belief in the efficacy of a drug along with acceptance of illness have b een shown to have a positive effect on compliance. Implications (3) Nurses and other health care providers can promote medication complianc e by developing a collaborative relationship with the patient. Education an d reminders are especially important at the beginning of treatment. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of nursing interventions to prom ote compliance.